Combination game set



Nov. '28, 1944. STANTON 2,364,007

COMBINATION GAME SET Filed Nov. 23, 1942 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Nov. 28, 1944. I s. J. STANTON 2,364,007

COMBINATION GAME SET Filed Nov. 23, 1942 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 g 5 I g I an" i 3.9 My 4] a HIP 43 M Nov. 28, 1944. 5, J, STANTON 2,364,007 7 COMBINATION GAME SET 'Filed Nov. 23, 1942 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Nov. 28, 1944. 3, STANTON 2,364,007

COMBINATION GAME SET Filed Nov. 23, 1942 e Sheets-Sheet 4 I QEu/enfar? 1.5

Nov. 28, 1944. s. J. STANTON COMBINATION GAME SET Filed Nov. 23, 1942 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Nov. 28, 1944. s, J, STANTON 2,364,007

COMBINATION GAME SET Filed NOV. 23, 1942 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 1F 5:22 2a+- :55 F [5.23 /QT... If

lllllullln R Patented Nov. 28, 1944 UNITED ,STATES PATENT OFFICE COMBINATION GAME S ET Samuel John Stanton, Chicago, Ill.

Application November 23, 1942, Serial No. 466,691

10 Claims.

This application relates to the general class of poker chip racks, and more particularly to a series of pocker chip holders originated by the present inventor.

The general characteristics in this unit as in the other of this series are uniqueness in structural composition, compactness, style, aptness, simplicity of design and adaptability to quantity production.

The present novelty, like the one disclosed in my application Serial No. 413,524 filed October 81, 1941, comprises a housing element and tray elements. But the tray elements, in this instance, disclose more differentiating elements within themselves and the unit incorporating them discloses more differentiating elements in its combination.

The result is a unit of a size practically the same, incorporating twice as many trays.

This new combination as well as the unique tray elements which go into its composition are treated quite extensively in the following text in combination with the annexed drawings which, like the text, are made a part of this application, terminating in a series of conventional claims.

In the drawings as figures:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one of the forms of applicant's poker chip unit.

Fig. 2 is a transverse cross section of Fig. 1, the

dotted lines showing the drawer element partially out of the housing.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal cross section of Fig. 1 taken on line 3-3, Fig. 2, on line 3-3, Fig. 4.

Fig. 4 is a horizontal cross section of the characteristic drawer element taken on line 4-4, Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the housing element, the top partially broken.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the drawer element, the front partially broken away.

Fig. 7 is a cross section of Fig. 1 taken on line 1--! showing a view of tray elements and the drawer element in engaged or interlocked position inside the housing element.

Fig. 8 is a cross transverse section of a stack of tray elements in engaged or interlocked position outside the housing element.

Fig. 9 is a longitudinal cross section of tray elements in engaged or interlocked position outside the housing element.

Figs. 10 and 11 are perspective views of tray elements showing engaging or interlocking elements.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of a corner of the drawer element.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a slight- Fig. 18' is a perspective view of the drawer shown in Fig. 13.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a locking bar used in connection with the modified form of the invention illustrated in Fig. 13.

Fig. 20 is a vertical cross section taken on the line 2l-2l of Fig. 13 with the tray elements removed.

2 Fig. 21 is a vertical cross section taken on the line 2l-2| of Fig. 13.

Fig. 22 is a central vertical longitudinal section taken through a stack of the tray elements.

Fig. 23 is a vertical cross section taken on the line 23-43 of Fig. 22.

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of one of the tray members and a tray element detached therefrom, illustrating certain interfltting connections between them; and

Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the two members of a tray element separated from each other.

In the drawings in more detail, where like parts are indicated by like numerals:

Numeral l0 points to the unit as a whole and I I indicates the drawer element.

Numerals l2 and I3, best seen in Figs. 10 and 11, indicate the tray elements. The bottom view of Fig. 10 shows elements I! and I3 as parts of a compartment unit. The open view of the elements in Fig. 11 shows them as individual tray elements. This dual phase of the tray elements is one of the unique characteristics of the present invention. Inside the housing, they form into compartments wherein the chips are held securely. The compartments, consisting of two tray elements each, combine uniquely into stacks. This makes it possible to put in 10 compartment elements, used as 20 tray elements, within the narrow limits as suggested in Fig. 1.

This is important. Where the tray elements are used as racks by players, it is essential to have enough racks for the chips in circulation and for those in reserve. Only by storing the tray elements face to face snugly embracing stacks 55 of chips, that is, as compartments within the housing, is it possible to have a number of racks sufllcient for the dual purpose;

Numerals 14 to I1, inclusive, indicate the walls of the framework or housing, a very simple, boxlike cabinet.

Numeral |8-|5', Figs. 2 and 3, show a strip along the back part of the framework or housing l4, l5, l5 and II. It is extended sufllciently low to engage the tray elements, when in stack formation within the housing. This is best elements l9 and 20.

- Numerals 25 and 23, Fig. 6, indicate partitions dividing the drawer element II for con,

venient playing card compartments. Numeral 21 shows the bottom of one of these compartments. Numerals 30 and 3| show openings in the bottoms of the other two compartments. Numerals 29 and 29 indicate borders around the openings 30 and 3| sufficiently wide to support the playing cards within the compartments. The openings make it possible to push the cards out of the compartments wherein they lie snugly embraced.

Figs. 2 and 6 disclose one way of engaging the drawer element H with the housing element, l4, l5, l6 and IT. This is a latch 33-34, 34 being the receiving trap or catch element thereof and 33 the inserting or entrapped element thereof. One of these elements is attached to the strip element It, Fig. 5, and the other to the drawer element within the compartment 32, Fig. 6. These two elements engaged with each other hold the drawer element securely within the housing element.

These two elements 33-34, may be just the plain parts that constitute the familiar catch in most bathroom medicine cabinets.

Numerals 35 to 39, Figs. 7 and 11, inclusive, indicate the walls of a tray'element. ment is rectangular in shape, in general effect a box-like unit. It is sufficiently formed to embrace a stack of chips. The two tray elements engaged face to face as shown in Fig. 10 embrace the stack so that the stacks of chips are edgewisely in contact with all longitudinal walls of the closed compartment, that is in contact with the bottom wall elements 39 and 54 (Figs. 11 and 8), as well as with side wall elements 35, 35, and 45.

Numerals 42 and 43, Fig. 11, show projections on the rim or walls, 35 and 35, of one part of the compartment element. Numerals 5| and 52 show notches on the rim or walls 45 and 46 of the other part of the compartment element. These projections flt substantially within the corresponding notches.

Numeral 44 shows projections on the end of wall 31. Similarly on wall 38. Numeral 53 shows a notch on end wall 41. Similarly on end wall 48. The tray elements are so contrived that when 42 and 43 fit into 5| and 52, 44 fits correspondingly into 53, so that when the tray elements are brought face to face, or rim to rim, the projections fitted into their respective notches will hold A tray elethe tray elements interlocked laterally and iongitudinally. Each compartment element thus comprises two parts. that is, two tray elements combined rim to rim or face to face as a unit compartment element.

Numeral 54 indicates the bottom of tray element l2, Fig. 11, and numeral 55 is a projection element on the bottom of tray element l3, Figs. 10 and 8. Numeral 53 indicates a notch element in the-top of tray element l2, Figs. 8 and 10. Projection element '55 fits substantially into notch element 55,Fig.10. v

When the compartment elements are stacked as shown in Figs. 7, 8 and 1, these elements 55 and 55, Figs. 1, 8 and 10, engage or interlock laterally and longitudinally the compartment elements into stack elements.

Numeral 51 indicates a beveled edge on the tray element I3. Numeral 58 indicate a beveled edge on the top of tray element l2. These edges beveled to correspond serveas another means of engaging the compartment elements laterally and longitudinally.

Numeral 2| in Figs. 2, 6 and 7 shows an apron element as a development of wall 2|. When the drawer element II is inserted as in Figs. 1 and 2, into the housing or framework l4, l5, l6 and I1, Fig. 7, the compartment elements as stacks become entrapped or engaged between the elements 2| and I8, Figs. 2 and 7, the elements 50 and I8 resting on top of the stack elements. This locks or engages the stacks vertically and transversely within the framework or housing element I4, l5, l6 and I1.

Fig. 1 shows five such stacks contiguous to each other, the end stacks contiguous to walls l6 and I1 within the framework I4, I 5, l6 and. I1.

When the drawer element II is inserted into the framework l4, l5, l5 and II, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the drawer becomes engaged within the housing by means of the latch 33-34, the stacks become engaged therein by means of the elements 2| and I8 transversely, longitudinally by means of the walls I6 and i1 and vertically between the wall element l5 and the element 50, forming a part of the drawer element I I, Figs. 2 and 12. Only an outside force properly applied will disengage the combination which is a unit combining the framework, drawer, stack elements, et al.

The way to disengage or open this combination is as follows:

1. Consider the front of the unit to be the side out of which the drawer will slide. That's the side where the drawer curtain 2| is located. Strip l8, Fig. 2, will not permit the drawer to slide out the back way.

2. Put thumbs on the front edges of wall elementslii and I1.

3. Press tray elements from the back with your free fingers. The press of the free fingers will push the stack elements forward, the stack elements in turn [will push the drawer element forward. Whem/the drawer element is withdrawn, the stack elements remain free for removal.

Numeral 59 shows an opening framed by notches 40 and 49, Figs. 8 and 11. This feature makes it possible to display the chips in their different colors, which endows the unit with one of its artistic attributes Figs. 13 to 25, similar to Figs. 1 to 12, expose some variations in the forms herein disclosed. Similar parts of the forms are indicated by similar numerals, and the description herelnabove given with reference to Figs. 1 to 12, indicated by numerals Iii to 60 applies correspondingly to the Figs. 13 to 25 indicated by numerals ll to 60'. Additional features in the second set of figures are indicated by numerals I to 09' described as follows:

Numerals 6| and 63 indicate an, alternate latch, a variation of latch 33 and) shown in Figs. and 6.

Here BI is a bar equal in length to that of wall element ll which is provided with an opening or slot 62' through it, suilicient to receive snugly said bar 6|.

In the drawer element ll, the'end walls 23', 24' and partitions 25', 26' are notched at 65'. Bar 6i bears lugs 63' correspond to notches 65'. When bar 6| is inserted into ning 82', the lugs 63' respectively fit into the notches 85'. This interfitting between the lugs and the notches establishes an engagement which holds the drawer element ll securely within the housing element I4, l5, l6, and H. ,The drawer element can be removed from the housing element only after the rod BI is taken out of the opening or slot 62'.

Numeral 64' indicates a notch on the end of the rod for a nail hold.

Numerals 66' and 61' indicate partitions transversely across the tray elements I! and I3. Partition 61' is lower than the main wall elements of the trays in which are incorporated.

Partition 66' is higher than themain wall elements of the trays in which they are incorporated. This difference in height between the partitions establishes a transverse engagement between the trays when they are combined face to face or rim to rim in forming the compartment element shown in Figs. 22 and 23.

Numerals 53 and 44, Fig. 11, disclose the transverse engagement in the end walls of the trays.

Numerals 68' and 89 indicate notches in partitions 66' and 61' which like notches 49' and 50' are helpful for the removal of chips from the trays.

Numerals 55' indicate projections near the end of the compartment elements tops as compared to 55 placed more centrally with reference to the tops of the compartment elements. This differentiation makes it possible for element 60', Fig. 21, to engage the elements 55' directly over tray element II, where in the first disclosure, Fig. '7, element 2i" rests in front of tray element l2.

The result isa combination where the drawer front is flush with the tray fronts, instead of a drawer front in front of the tray fronts.

The invention herein, entirely a new object H of manufacture, may be made of any available materials. It is, of course, susceptible to various changes andmodifications and adaptable for various uses, the details shown being merely for disclosure and not in limitation. The text herein necessarily is limited in description. Reliance is therefore placed on the accompanying drawings to overcome this limitation at least to some extent by graphic delineation. The right is, hereby reserved to make such adaptations. developments and expansions as properly" fall within the scope and purpose suggested by the presentation herein, terminating in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A combination container comprising a housing element, a plurality of tray elements therein contiguously disposed and stacked in horizontal layers, those of each stack having interfitting parts adapted to prevent horizontal 2. A combination container comprising a housing element, a plurality of tray elements therein contiguously disposed and stacked in horizontal layers, complemental interfltting means between the tray elements of each stack disposed horizontally and both longitudinally and transversely of the tray elements, and tray retaining means engaging only one layer of said tray elements within said container, whereby all of the tray elements are retained within the housing element.

3. A combination container comprising a housing element, a plurality of compartment elements therein contiguously disposed and stacked in horizontal layers, each compartment element consisting of two complemental tray elements, complemental interfltting means between the compartment elements of each stack and complemental interfltting means between the tray elements of each ,compartment element, disposed horizontal and both longitudinally and transversely of the tray elements, and tray retaining means engaging one end of only one layer of the compartment elements within the housing element, whereby all of the compartment elements are retained within the housing element.

4. A combination container comprising a housing element, layers of removable compartment elements therein, interengaged longitudinally and transversely, each compartment element consisting of two separable substantially traylike elements contacting each other rim to rim interengaged longitudinally and transversely, and tray retaining means within said housing engaging an end of only one layer of said compartment elements.

5. A combination container comprising a housing element, removable compartment elements, contiguously disposed therein in horizontal layers in stack form, each compartment element consisting of two separable substantially traylike elements contacting each other rim to rim and formed with interengaging elements, engaged longitudinally and transversely, and interengaging elements between contiguous compartment elements within the stacks engaging them longitudinally and transversely, said housing element having tray retaining means engaging an end of only one' layer of the compartment elements.

6. A combination container comprising a housing element and removable compartment elements contiguously disposed therein in at least one horizontal layer, each compartment element having, substantially a bottom wall element, a top wall element, two side wall elements and two end wall elements for accommodating a. plurality of poker chips, each compartment element consisting of two separable substantially traylike elements contacting each other rim to rim and interfitting each other longitudinally and transversely thereof, said housing element having retaining means engaging only one layer of the removable compartment elements.

7. A combination container comprising a rectangular housing element open on one side and having a short wall depending from its top wall,

the latter having a slot extending longitudinally thereof, a plurality of tray elements with ends at the open side in said housing element, having interfltting parts for preventing relative movement lengthwise or the tray elements, a removable drawer slidably mounted in said housing element above said tray elements, said drawer having tray retaining means overhanging the upper forward edge portion of the adjacent tray elements and said short wall overhanging the rear edge portion of said adjacent tray elements, said drawer having also notches in its upper edge communicating with the slot in the top oi. the housing element, and a removable retaining bar adapted to lie through said slot and having means in engagement with the notches of the drawer, whereby the latter and therewith the tray elements are retained in the housing element by said retaining bar.

8. A combination container comprising a rectangular housing element open at one side and having a short wall depending from the top wall, the latter having a slot extending longitudinally thereof, a plurality of tray elements in said housing with ends at the open side arranged in interoonnected tiers, a removable drawer slidably mounted in said housing element above said tray elements, said drawer having a tray retaining apron overhanging the upper forward edge portions of the adjacent tray elements and the short wai1 overhanging the upper rear edge portion of said adjacent tray elements, said drawer having also notches in its upper edge communicating with the slot in the top of the housing element and a removable locking bar adapted to lie in said slot, and having downwardly projecting lugs entering the notches of the drawer, whereby the latter and therewith the tray elements are retained in the housing element by said locking 9. A combination container comprising a boxlike housing element having a partial wall on one side and no wall on the opposite side, a plurality of compartment elements, consisting of interfitted tray elements horizontally disposed and contiguous to each other in said housing element, said compartment elements having interfltting parts for preventing relative movement crosswise and lengthwise, a removable drawer, having retaining ,means, slidably mounted in said housing element adjacent to the uppermost compartment elements, said compartment elements being interfitted between said partial wall and said retaining means, said housing having means engaging said drawer, whereby said interfitted compartment members become securely retained in said housing element.

10. A combination poker chip holder comprising a case member and a plurality of poker chip container members, disposed contlguously in layers and as stack members in a block embraced within the case member, each container member comprising two paired-up, face-to-face tray elements, means between and within the face limits of the tray elements, preventing their longitudinal and transverse relative movements, contacting container members having between them cooperating elements, preventing longitudinaland transverse relative movements of said container members, the case member having elements engaging only the upper tray elements whereby all of said tray elements are retained in the case member,-the block of container members and the case member, thus engaged with each other, constituting the combination poker chip holder. 5

SAMUEL JOHN STANTON. 

